moroccan interior design with ideas design

Dar Beida – A Castle in the Sand in Coastal Essaouira [Morocco]

Morocco is a country I always wished to visit and when I did, it revealed itself as an amazing destination. Essaouira, by the Atlantic coast, is a city built by the Portuguese to flourish as a trade port and continues to enchant the visitor to this day.

In this very cinematographic city, walking among the alleyways of the ancient fort-city there is a castle, a refurbished 200-year-old traditional style ‘dar’ or Moroccan house. Jimi Hendrix – who visited the town in the 60’s – is the inspiration for Dar Beida by Castles in the Sand brand. This bespoke space, designed by interior designer Emma Wilson, is a whimsical tale of white washed walls as a minimal canvas for the colorful minds of its owners – the Dar is decorated with quirky and cool objects, furniture and textiles inspired by the rich culture of North Africa.

dar beida bed

dar beida light well

dar beida bed

dar beida

dar beida

A bohemian space within the Old Medina and only 10 minutes walk to the vast sandy beach of Essaouira. The 4-bedroom boutique guesthouse accommodates 2 to 8 guests and the villa, situated by the iconic Bab Doukkala food quarter, is brimming with 60’s furniture and artisan Moroccan folk pieces.

dar beida

dar beida

dar beida

dar beida

The ambience is relaxed and modern – one’s own castle in the fort – split in three levels. This remarkable place features fireplaces, a central courtyard, a library and chill rooms. The service is bespoke and the concierge can make the guest truly feel at home. The most beautiful feature – knowing how drop-dead gorgeous the sunsets here are – is the terrace: going up crispy white steps one can only see the immense blue skies through a stone arch – magical.

Essaouira is romantic, poetic and it imprints its beauty in the visitor’s soul. Dar Beida is another magical actor in the ever evolving storytelling of this historical town. A story anyone would be happy to be part of.

dar beida lobby area

The cool Atlantic breeze, the hues of pink and purple of sunsets, the call for a prayer that enchants the ears…Essaouira was as magical as I could have imagined.

dar beida

dar beida kitchen

dar beida essaouria morocco

dar beida essaouria morocco

dar beida essaouria morocco

dar beida essaouria morocco

www.castlesinthesand.com




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